[1] God, why have you turned away from us for so long? Why are you still angry with us, your own flock? [2] Remember the people you bought so long ago. You saved us, and we belong to you. And remember Mount Zion, the place where you lived. [3] God, come walk through these ancient ruins. Come back to the Holy Place that the enemy destroyed. [4] The enemy shouted their war cries in the Temple. They put up their flags there to show they had won the war. [5] Their soldiers attacked the doors, like workmen chopping down trees. [6] Using axes and hatchets, they smashed the carved panels inside. [7] They burned down your Holy Place. It was built to honor your name, but they pulled it down to the ground. [8] The enemy decided to crush us completely. They burned every holy place in the country. [9] We do not see any of our signs. There are no more prophets. And no one knows how long this will last. [10] God, how much longer will the enemy make fun of us? Will you let them insult your name forever? [11] Why won't you help us? Use your power to defeat our enemies! [12] God, you have been our King for a long time. You have saved us many times on this earth. [13] With your great power you split open the sea and broke the heads of the sea monster. [14] Yes, you smashed the heads of Leviathan and left his body for animals to eat. [15] You make the springs and rivers flow, and you make the rivers dry up. [16] You control the day and the night. You made the sun and the moon. [17] You set the limits for everything on earth. And you created summer and winter. [18] LORD, remember, the enemy insulted you! Those foolish people hate your name! [19] Don't give us like a helpless dove to those wild animals. Never forget your poor, suffering people. [20] Remember the agreement you gave us, because violence fills every dark place in this land. [21] Your people were treated badly. Don't let them be hurt anymore. Let your poor, helpless people praise you. [22] God, get up and defend yourself! Remember, those fools challenged you. [23] Don't forget the shouts of your enemies. They insulted you again and again.
